:grouphug: I'm sorry for your loss. I still miss my grandma after 17 years.

I'm right there with you:grouphug: It's been a rough year in a host of ways. But when my dh said he is going to take a week of vacation to visit his brother and could I please make those reservations, I wanted to scream. OK, tomorrow will be a better day:001_smile:

I keep our home neat and tidy but one does see occassion dust bunnies. How other people keep their homes is up to them. When I go to others homes, I go to see them.

I never got into a debate about homeschooling with any of our relatives. If they made any comments challenging our choice I just said we are making the best choice for our dd. I would then get up and leave or change the subject in such an obvious manner that it was clear to all what I was doing. Don't get into the trap of thinking others have to approve the choices you make for your children or even your life.

The more some of them talk, the angrier I get. We don't have cable at our house and that helps because I don't hear alot of what is said. I wish they would just shut-up and act.

We've been there in the summer, spring and fall. There are misters in the zoo that you can go under when it gets really hot. Those are always a favorite with my kids. I think about 4-5 hours would cover it. You could do more if your kids have never been to a zoo. Can't make any recommendations about hotels, just know it's probably expensive:001_smile: Have a great time.

What a lovely idea. My husband and I have both replaced our cheapo wedding bands. I bought him the Martin Luther wedding band and he bought me a diamond engagement ring with a matching band. We both have our original bands and I do wear mine on occassionally. With that being said, I do have a friend who doesn't want a replacement for her original wedding set. If you do buy it for her, don't be hurt if she wears it on the right hand.

When my dd was in private school, they started standardized testing in first grade. I helped the teacher administer the test and realized my dd was very stressed out by the experience. When I give her the ITBS during our homeschool years, I did some test prep with her. It took away most of the stress and the fact that I could do it at home also helped. I followed the rules as given because I wanted an accurate picture of her strenghts and weaknesses.

I find these types of invitations boorish.

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: I hate car problems. Hope things work out for you.

We live in the DC area and there is lots to chose from. On the 3nd, we will go to the rehearsal for the Captiol 4th. It's still pretty crowded but not as bad as the actual day. You only have to get there 2 hours early compared to 8-10 hours if you go on the 4th. On the 4th, we will go and to the Washington Monument area and watch the fireworks. They were fabulous last year.

:grouphug: Sorry for your loss.

I follow the recipe on the back of the bag:001_smile: I always use the healthy version, no bacon here. It's a side dish that I serve with chicken or pork. Will have to try it in soup, sounds yummy!

When I was pregnant with our youngest, my dd was convinced she was going to have a brother. We knew that it was a girl and nothing we said could change her mind. We tried to get her input on the two girl names we had picked but she wouldn't give up the idea of having a brother. She chose Kevin, which we wouldn't have chosen. She's now dating a guy named Kevin. God does have a sense of humor doesn't He:001_smile:

:grouphug: Praying that he finds something quickly.

Never criticize his family members. When he does it, listen carefully but don't join in. Encourage him to visit his family by himself if he would like. My mil liked me, but I know she enjoyed the visits with just her son.

:iagree:Actions have consequences. It is a private school and they have the right to make to rules.

:grouphug: My prayers are with you and your son.

My dh and I had one car for the first six years of our marriage. I got very content to stay home:001_smile: Hope you can work something out soon.

This is one reason I enjoy military moves. I always declutter before those packers come. Of course it always happens we need an item I got rid of before the last move. :D

Tell them what you shared here. They want to see you and don't care about the house. And if they ask what you need or what they can do for you, ask them to clean. I'm always happy to help when needed:001_smile: and I'm sure they would be too.

No, when my dh retires from the military, we will move. Unfortunately, we can't agree on a place. He wants to move to Tulsa, to be close to his brother and family. It's a little too close for me:001_smile: I would like to move to AZ or some other place hot and dry.

:grouphug: Hope you find out the results soon. Like others have said, sometimes people say stuff without thinking how it will come across.

Wow:grouphug: When my dd was taking violin lessons at a music school, I she praised for how polite and well spoken she was. They also appreciated she always came prepared for her lesson. Ignorance comes in all places doesn't it?

We keep our AC at 76 in the summer because it gets hot upstairs and heat it up to 74-76 in the winter.